The Galápagos Islands in Ecuador are one of the best-conserved tropical archipelagos in the world, but in recent decades, invasive species, tourism and increasing population have threatened the Galápagos ecosystem.

These stunningly beautiful islands are located 600 miles off the South American coast, framed with black volcanic rock highlighting the turquoise blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Bathed in equatorial sun, several ocean currents have pulled in an unusual blend of wildlife from north, south, east and west, creating an environment that can host a wide variety of wildlife from cactus and mangroves to penguins and pink flamingos.

Earth, sky and sea are bustling with an array of unique Galápagos animals. Five-foot long marine iguanas can be seen perched along the shore like prehistoric statutes. Slow moving giant 500-pound tortoises roam the highlands and can live to be well over 100 years old. Flightless cormorant birds swim like fish, but cannot fly.

Enchantingly, many of the animals are not afraid of people, allowing humans to observe them up close in their natural habitat. The very social and prolific Galápagos sea lions lounge on the beaches and in the water providing hours of entertainment with their playful antics. It is strictly forbidden to touch any animals for the safety of the wildlife and people, but it is not unusual to be snorkeling and have a curious juvenile sea lion swim around to observe you! It is like snorkeling in a wild aquarium with colorful fish, sea turtles, stingrays and more.

The remoteness of the Galápagos, limited fresh water and few edible plants, kept humans from populating the islands until the 20th century. Pirates, whalers, fur sealers and other explorers visited the islands in previous centuries. They introduced invasive plants and animals. Many tortoises were taken to provide fresh food for the pirates and sailors on long sea voyages, because the tortoises could live aboard ship without food and water for months. In 1835, the young Charles Darwin visited the islands and observed endemic species laying the framework for his theory of evolution by natural selection. The Galápagos still remains a haven for researchers and scientists. Minimal interaction with humans helped preserve the islands biodiversity.

There are many efforts to protect the islands. In 1959, the Ecuadorian government established the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Foundation. In 1986, the 27,000 square miles of ocean surrounding the islands was declared a marine reserve, but monitoring illegal fishing is difficult. Any time a person enters the park, which is an incredible 97 percent of the islands, they must be escorted by a local Galápagueños guide. The guides are very knowledgeable of the wildlife and unusual island history and act as stewards of the Galápagos.

Tourism has been the basis of the island economy, which has been a double-edged sword. The population in 1959 was under 2000, but is currently more than 25,000. Humans have brought invasive plants and animals that threaten the unique island species. For example, over 100,000 feral goats were destroying shade, food and water supply for the tortoises and other native species. Eradication programs reduced the population, but other invasive species still loom.

Page 2 of 2 - Tourism is not going anywhere, however it could become a vehicle to educate people about the Galápagos and help support the local people who are essential for long-term protection of the islands.

Jascivan Carvalho, general manager of the ecotourism company, Tropic, explains, "Thanks to tourism our country benefits from visibility and with that, help worldwide to preserve this wonder of the world… the locals have opportunities to generate income without going for more extractive activities such as industrial fishing." Tropic serves as a link between the tourists and the locals who would like to provide ecologically minded activities and accommodations. Carvalho notes, "These small communities need to understand the privilege of living in this little piece of paradise…one of those is to understand how to develop their tourism businesses responsibly and for the long run."

Tom Poulson, Tropic's Galápagos operations agent agrees. "Yes, tourism could be a way to help conserve Galápagos if its activities are carefully monitored and evaluated… Ecotourism in Galápagos aims to bring more quality tourists rather than quantity." Tropic specializes in land-based tours.

Close to 90 percent of the tourists visit the islands aboard small cruise ships. Visitors eat, sleep and even buy their souvenirs and sundries on the ships, depriving income to the local population. Whereas, land based tours support the local restaurants, hotels and shops. Providing jobs to the local people is vital, so they will not turn to plundering the Galápagos' flora and fauna to provide an income for themselves. Staying on the island also gives visitors a more intimate view of the Galápagos and its friendly people.

Learn how to be a sustainable traveler, visit www.sustainabletrip.org/tourism. To learn more about Tropic ecotourism visit www.destinationecuador.com.

Anne Mazar is an environmental advocate and a member of the Mendon Land Use Committee.